MY ACCOUNT
Real Madrid missed the chance to move back to within three points of LaLiga leaders Barcelona after being held to a goalless draw by unlikely title challengers Real Sociedad.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side dominated for large parts but drew a blank at Santiago Bernabeu just three days after downing rivals Atletico Madrid in Thursday’s Copa del Rey quarter-final.
Goalkeeper Alex Remiro starred with numerous fine stops amid a somewhat one-sided encounter, with Madrid unable to break the impressive resistance of Imanol Alguacil’s team.
The stalemate left Los Blancos trailing fierce rivals Barca by five points, with third-placed La Real three behind Ancelotti’s men after Sunday’s clash.
Chances were plentiful amid a frantic and free-flowing opening between two in-form sides.
A stretching Alexander Sorloth could not reach Aihen Munoz’s pinpoint left-wing cross with the goal gaping, while Vinicius Junior and Asier Illarramendi went close at either end.
Remiro repelled a fizzing Toni Kroos drive and Dani Ceballos curled just wide as Madrid failed to find deserved reward for an enterprising first half.
Vinicius saw another low strike denied by Remiro’s feet and Thibaut Courtois thwarted a precise Takefusa Kubo attempt after the interval.
Remiro stood tall to parry from Vinicius when one-on-one with a save that proved pivotal as La Real held on for a precious point.
What does it mean? Los Blancos dominance goes unrewarded
Madrid extended their unbeaten LaLiga run to seven games against La Real but leaving this fixture without three points may feel like an opportunity missed for Ancelotti.
Los Blancos have already secured Supercopa de Espana success and remain in the hunt for the Copa and Champions League, but chances like this in the league cannot go begging if they are to catch Barca.
However, nothing should be taken away from the impressive La Real, who continue to prove they can compete with Madrid and Barca amid a fine season under Alguacil.
Lively Vinicius blunted by Remiro
Vinicius continues to deliver for Ancelotti and Madrid this season, producing another energetic display in this game – albeit without just reward.
The Brazil winger was denied on three occasions by the resolute Remiro – who made seven saves, the most he has produced in LaLiga this term – and created two chances.
Super Sorloth run ends
Norway international Erling Haaland has repeatedly hit the headlines with Manchester City, but international team-mate Sorloth has been almost as impressive in recent weeks.
The striker was aiming to become just the third La Real player this century to score in six straight LaLiga games – after Darko Kovacevic (in 2002) and Aleksander Isak (in 2021) – but failed to threaten Madrid.
Key Opta Facts
– Real Madrid have not lost any of their last seven games against Real Sociedad in LaLiga (W4 D3), since a 3-1 away loss in May 2019 under Zinedine Zidane.
– Real Madrid have lost only one of their last 16 LaLiga home games against Real Sociedad (W12 D3), a 2-0 reverse in January 2019.
– Real Madrid and Real Sociedad have drawn goalless in LaLiga at Real Madrid home for the fifth time ever, and the first time since November 2002.
– Real Madrid have kept a clean sheet in three of their last four LaLiga games (W2 D1 L1), as many as in their previous 16 league games this season (W11 D4 L1).
– Real Madrid have lost only one of their last 37 LaLiga home games (W25 D11), losing 4-0 at Santiago Bernabeu in March 2022 against Barcelona.
What’s next?
Madrid host top-four chasers Valencia on Thursday, with La Real at home to Real Valladolid three days later.
